Our Industry  

Traditional print products are being complemented by digital products, often CD and internet based, creating new markets and changing traditional print business models. Shorter print runs, document customisation, data and knowledge management and faster print turnaround are features of this emerging industry.  

Activities include:  

• Digital file, workflow, database and knowledge management; multimedia, prepress and desktop publishing; mailing and distribution.  
• Commercial and job printing, including packaging (paper, cardboard, plastic, metal and other substrates).  
• Publishing and printing newspapers, books, magazines and periodicals, greeting cards, calendars and diaries, posters, labels, signs and displays, advertising material (catalogues, brochures and leaflets), business forms, t-shirts and other fabrics, stamps, cheques and other security products;  
• Manufacture and publishing of audio, CDs, video and data media; and the manufacture of paper stationery items.  

Industry Demographics

1. The industry is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in Australia employing more than 115,000 people.
2. Small to medium businesses dominate the industry with 85.3 per cent employing less than 20 people; 94.4 per cent less than 50 and 97.5 per cent less than 100.
3. The number of establishments in the industry total about 5,000 and are spread across Australia having a physical presence in every region.
4. Annual industry turnover is approximately $23 billion, including almost $10.5 billion in industry value added.
5. The industry's annual exports total more than $500 million and imports more than $2 billion.
6. Average annual capital expenditure over the decade to 2006-07 was approximately $700 million.